Villarreal President backs Thomas Partey’s signing despite rape allegations
By Lukman Mumin
Villarreal president Fernando Roig has insisted that Thomas Partey should be allowed to continue playing football while legal proceedings against him are ongoing in London.
The Ghanaian midfielder joined Villarreal this summer after leaving Arsenal, signing his contract while on bail over sexual assault charges.
Partey’s signing has drawn attention both in Spain and abroad, with Roig reiterating that the player remains eligible to represent the club while the case remains unresolved.
“We must be cautious and wait for justice. Let’s not judge prematurely. Thomas has the right to do his job until there is a conviction,” Roig said following Villarreal’s 2–0 pre-season loss to Aston Villa.
“At this moment, Partey is as innocent as the rest of us here. A fundamental right like this must be respected.
“The English whistled Partey. Not the Villarreal fans. I wouldn’t like our own fans to whistle at players on our team. We must stand with the team,” Roig explained.
“He is not a convicted player,” Roig stressed, adding that the courts, not the stands, should determine the outcome of the allegations.
